December 2023 in “bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)”
Abnormal contraction of connective tissue in hair follicles causes hair loss by killing off important cells, and treating this could improve hair growth.
Minoxidil works by opening potassium channels, leading to reduced blood pressure and potential side effects like reflex tachycardia. It is used for hair growth and affects blood pressure at high doses.
The user experienced stable hairline but diffuse thinning after switching from oral finasteride to a topical solution of minoxidil and finasteride. They are concerned about the effectiveness of the topical treatment and are considering other options due to a recent decline in hair density.
The conversation discusses GT20029, a compound by Kintor Pharma that degrades androgen receptors and is in trials, with potential as a hair loss cure. Another promising treatment mentioned is an antibody that blocks prolactin and has shown positive results in macaques.
Kintor Pharmaceutical's Phase 2 results with the drug Pyrilutamide, a potential alternative to 5-ARI drugs like Finasteride and Dutasteride but without the side effects. It could be used in combination with other topical treatments such as Minoxidil. The safety of the drug has been demonstrated in 6 months of use, however there are still questions about long term efficacy and systemic absorption.
First patient dosed with Pyrilutamide (Kintor) Phase III for hair loss treatment. Pyrilutamide differs from approved treatments as it competes with DHT to bind hair follicles, potentially reducing side effects.